Behind

A BREATH OF REBELLION

Fragrances for the modern man

MAY 2024 - SCENT

Eau Coeur di Thomas de Monaco

"Modern man knows that manhood is defined by the courage to be true to oneself."

Andrej Babicky

For someone like me who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, the concept of virilitas often evokes Chuck Norris making his way through the villains with karate strokes or Sylvester Stallone flexing his muscles and growling lapidary jokes. Or icons such as Superman, Batman and Wolverine & co: characters who exude strength, power, roughness, a well-defined “masculinity”.

But does this forced and caricatured depiction really embody the meaning of masculinity? 

 

Gone are the days when masculinity was measured by the decibel level of a grunt or the thickness of chest hair. Today, modern man embraces a more multifaceted understanding of what it means to be manly. He recognizes that true strength lies not in adhering to archaic stereotypes but in the freedom to express oneself authentically.

Modern man dares to explore the delicate Modern man dares to explore the delicate
Modern man dares to explore the delicate Modern man dares to explore the delicate

In the world of perfumes, virility is no longer confined to the suffocating constraints of woody perfumes and oppressive aftershaves used in industrial quantities: modern man dares to explore the delicate, the floral, the pink, the gourmand. He understands that the essence of masculinity lies not in the perfume itself, but in the confidence with which it is worn.

 

 While I was trying to figure out how to approach this theme, I imagined a man walking into a room, followed by a slight aroma of jasmine and tuberose. She doesn’t need to rely on brute force or overly potent scents to attract attention. Instead, she lets her fragrance express her individuality with a subtle and powerful statement.

 

When it comes to perfumes, therefore, you are spoilt for choice. From the spicy and woody notes of traditional perfumes to the most unexpected fragrances, the options that reflect the multifaceted personality of the man are numerous and here divided into four contemporary “archetypes”.

Pigmentarium Eroticon
Pigmentarium Eroticon

Innernaut

Siuno’s “Ulysses” embodies the spirit of adventure with its blend of life-giving citrus, cedar and sage in a sun-drenched Mediterranean landscape.

“No Sleep” by Coreterno is a fragrance that knows no rest: bergamot and rose awaken the senses while lily, jasmine and violet evoke a state of picturesque tranquility.

“Vigilante” by ST. Rose is a bold and assertive fragrance with notes of bergamot and cypress, centered on rose, jasmine and ylang ylang and reinforced by a woody, sometimes dark base.

 

Rogue-mantic

Hiram Green’s “Moon Bloom,” with its heady blend of tuberose, jasmine and ylang-ylang, envelops you in a sweet, spicy, green embrace like a tropical paradise. 

Thomas de Monaco’s “Eau Coeur” whispers of magnolia and osmanthus with a hint of pink pepper, conjuring up images of a romantic spring in full bloom.

“Francesca Bianchi Unspoken Musk” seduces with bergamot and immortelle before wrapping you in a heart of iris butter, almost carnal musks, patchouli and sandalwood: how to say a lot without any words.

Hedonist

“Methexis” by Manos Gerakinis invites you on a gourmand journey through figs and blackcurrants, accompanied by the sweetness of honey, cocoa and cedar and culminating in a symphony of vanilla and amber. “Sillage Royal” exudes an aristocratic elegance with notes of saffron and cardamom that introduce an opulent rose on a base of oud and patchouli – the fragrance of a king.

“Eroticon” by Pigmentarium captivates with its intoxicating blend of chocolate, pink pepper and ginger: as sensual and distinctive as the man who wears it.

 

Daydreamer 

“Saskia” by Grandiflora paints a picture of a lush garden in full bloom, with notes of ginger, pink pepper and gardenia dancing in the morning breeze. By Giardini di Toscana “Borabora” is a sweet and creamy cocktail of tropical notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine and tiaré: the scent of distant islands and lazy afternoons spent basking in the sun “Strawberry Pool” by Salum is the delicious scent of a cup of strawberries on the edge of a surreal blue pool. Chlorine and aquatic notes combine with that of fruit for a feeling of total relaxation.

Modern man knows that manhood is defined by the courage to be true to oneself. So as he walks the world, spreading a scent of adventure and an aura of security, he embodies a new conception of masculinity, inclusive and authentic. 

After all, in a world where the only constant is change, embracing evolution is the true sign of strength.



by Andrej Babicky
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